The effects of fad-dieting on the body

Main Menu

INSECTS – THE NEW SUPER FOOD

They’re creepy. They’re crawly. They’re super nutritious and can help you lose weight? Yes the new super food is insects and I’m thinking if people around the world in Asia and Africa can enjoy a tasty bug morsel then why cant the western world join in?

Studies performed by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization have shown that many of the insects you would turn your nose up to when served as a meal, have the same amount of protein and minerals as meat with better, healthier fats. They are predicting that by 2020 insects will be a common sight at markets and food stalls, as they will become an integral part of western diet. It is said that conventional meats will become more expensive and scarcer pushing those who once gag at the thought to make eating grasshoppers common practice. The organization is promoting the consumption of beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, ants, and other insects saying that they are underutilized food for people, livestock and pets

What makes insects so great you say? Well, insects have a much lower amount of cholesterol and higher protein content when compared to chicken and beef. Some even have more minerals and vitamins than can be found in regular livestock. Not only are the nutritionally better but also they are more sustainable for our consumer driven society. Much of a cow is thrown away before it reaches the countertop whereas insects have little waste associated with them. They are also a very efficient food source in terms of farming, insects eat only a small amount but this is converted into a more insect mass and a dense amount of protein. Carbon emissions from the little critters are far lower too so by eating them instead of beef you could be helping save the planets atmosphere.

The only problem being would YOU be happy eating an insect salad or cockroach soup? The thought of it makes my stomach turn and if your anything like me I think we will be in a lot of trouble come 2020. Remember watching Fear Factorand thinking “Oh no! I could handle the physical challenges but not the eating ones!!” Due to this rather huge problem work is being done to package insects in a reassuring and attractive manner. Things like cricket energy bars and BBQ worm crisps are already stocked in some places… it might be a good idea to try it.